South Africa has just increased protection of its continental waters to 5% within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This improvement on 0.4% is a significant achievement but is not enough. The global United Nations target is 10% by 2020, with scientists calling for at least 30% to achieve ocean health and resilience. We hope to mobilise a regional movement for increased ocean protection, paving the way for African states to support a target of at least 30% by 2030.